Teaching Residents

The structural obstacles to teacher preparation and licensure are many and disproportionately prevent low-income people of color from becoming teachers. As part of our commitment to serving low-income students and families of color, KIPP Chicago seeks to draw more talented, committed people into the teaching profession through our Teaching Residents role. This is a role for those at the very initial stages of their careers in education. The role is ideal for those who have studied in another field and are looking to make a transition into teaching, those who are in an alternative licensure program like Teach for America, or those who have recently graduated from a teacher preparation program and are looking for their first classroom position.

Teaching Residents

Are placed in a single classroom with an experienced mentor teacher who provides daily feedback and coaching. The relationship between the “lead” teacher and the Fellow is fully collaborative — both share responsibilities for delivering whole-group and small-group instruction, lesson planning, and communication with families.

Are full members of the KIPP Chicago team and family, participating in all development and staff experiences and receiving the professional and cultural benefits of working alongside our successful team

Receive full salary and benefits

Are enrolled in a Master of Arts in Teaching program at Relay Graduate School of Education that culminates in a degree and possibly Illinois teacher licensure. Through KIPP Chicago’s partnership with Relay, the cost of the degree is significantly reduced.

Remain Residents for one or two years, depending on performance, before being promoted to the position of Classroom Teacher.

Requirements for Teaching Residents:

Bachelor’s degree

Passage of all Illinois licensure tests prior to May 1, 2018 (TAP 400 and one content-specific test)

Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher (3.0 or higher if pursuing licensure)

Undergraduate major in a pure English, Math, Science, or Social Science field (only required if pursuing licensure)

Outstanding prior achievements, academic or professional

Passion for creating social, political, and economic equity by increasing the number of students of color who graduate from college